Starbucks Unveils Web3 Loyalty Program

In a press release, Starbucks revealed a web3-powered rewards/loyalty program called Starbucks Odyssey. The new experience will allow Starbucks Rewards members and employees in the US the chance to earn and purchase NFTs that will unlock new benefits and experiences. 

Starting today, September 12, users can join the waitlist for a chance to be one of the first to receive access to the new loyalty program. The waitlist allows current Starbucks Rewards members to join by entering the email address associated with their account. 

“Leveraging Web3 technology will allow our members to access experiences and ownership that was not possible before. Starbucks Odyssey will transcend the foundational benefits that our Starbucks Rewards members have come to love, and ulock digital, physical and experiential benefits that are uniquely Starbucks”

Brady Brewer, Starbucks Executive Vice President

The current Starbucks Rewards app allows users to load up their Starbucks wallets to pay and accrue stars. The app also has limited offers of double stars for certain menu items on specified dates. 150 stars are needed for handcrafted drinks while 400 stars can be used to redeem select merchandise or at-home coffee. 

Starbucks Odyssey will be an extension of the current rewards program. Users can engage in Odyssey ‘journeys’ which will include interactive games and challenges to earn a collectible ‘journey stamp’ NFT.

These digital stamps will have a point system based on rarity, feature artwork from partners and outside artists, and can be traded within the marketplace. Some exclusive events/prizes listed include a virtual espresso martini-making class and exclusive events or trips to Starbucks Reserve Roasteries or Starbucks’ coffee farm in Costa Rica.

The company chose to utilize Polygon’s proof-of-stake blockchain to reinforce their sustainability commitments. Polygon (MATIC) is a layer 2 scaling solution built on the Ethereum network. The associated coin is currently ranked 12 top crypto, just behind Polkadot (DOT) and Dogecoin (DOGE).

Earlier this year, Instagram introduced NFTs to their platform. This feature supports only the Ethereum, Polygon, and Flow blockchains. On August 4, 2022, they started supporting third-party wallet connections including MetaMask and Coinbase Wallet.